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APA CONDENSED PACKET
Dear Faculty and Students:
The English Department has been teaching MLA style in our introductory English courses since September
2011. Certain departments, such as Business Administration, Education, Nursing, and Social Sciences, may
require APA style. Please verify with your instructor or department head about which citation system is
preferred for your class.
This packet is a condensed handout of information that will be useful for students as they write research
papers. It provides guidelines for creating in-text citations and References pages. Also included is a sample
References page and a checklist that students and faculty can use to evaluate a References page.
We hope this guide will be helpful. You can find extended explanations and examples for APA guidelines on
the NHTI Library Website and the handbooks assigned in EN101. In addition, the OWL (Online Writing
Lab) at Purdue includes material on the basics of APA format:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Correct formatting can only be verified by you. There are some electronic and online tools available that
auto-format in-text citations and the References page. However, it is important to note that these may not
always be accurate. Therefore, you are responsible to check your handbook or the Online Writing Lab
(OWL at Purdue) to ensure the formatting and information required are correct.
There are internet sites that can assist you with the creation of a References page, but be warned: garbage in,
garbage out. If you do not have a basic understanding of required fields or of what you are putting into those
fields, problems may arise. In Microsoft Word, under References, you can input citations and bibliography
entries for APA. EbscoHost, ProQuest, and other databases also provide References entries. Be aware that
all have glitches. We recommend you do not rely only on them due to their inaccuracies.
Please make an appointment at the Writing Center so that the writing coaches can help you understand MLA
or APA format, and feel free to make use of the Writing Center for papers at any stage. Utilize the Study
Solutions Lab for assistance in understanding texts, reviewing for tests, comprehending concepts and
vocabulary, and time management.
The Writing Center is open Monday - Thursday (9 - 7) and Friday (9 - 3).
The Study Solutions Lab is open Monday – Thursday (10 - 2) and Friday (10 – 12).
The Writing Center and Study Solutions Lab are in the Learning Center (in the library).
Call 230-4027 or sign up in Learning Center for an appointment. Appointments are in half-hour increments.
Cathy Eaton
Coordinator of the Writing Center
NHTI – Concord’s Community College
Last revised: November 2012. cs
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RESEARCH PAPER
APA DOCUMENTATION
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APA in-text citation format
APA References format
APA References sample pages
APA References checklist
For additional explanations and examples of in-text citations and
References, click on the APA Handbook online at the NHTI library
website:
http://www.nhti.edu/library/libtools.html
under NHTI Library Databases
Sign up at the Learning Center in the Library or call 230-4027
to make an appointment.
o
o
o
o
o
Writing Center
Brainstorming
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Documenting Sources
Study Solutions Lab
o Comprehension
o Retention
o Organization
o Time management
o Stress management
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http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/23/
OWL at Purdue University has graciously given us permission to use this poster/handout overview of APA style guidelines.
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APA In-Text Citation Format
Exact Words
Use quotation marks.
Cite source: (Author’s last name, year, page numbers). If online source doesn’t
provide page numbers, use the paragraph numbers, preceded by the abbreviation para.
If you can’t decipher a page or paragraph number, cite a heading if possible.
If no author, use shortened form of title: (Title, year, page numbers).
Paraphrase
Do not use quotation marks.
Or Summary
Cite source: (Author’s last name, year).
Note the punctuation goes outside and after the parentheses.
Note the use of commas and spaces between the author’s last name, year, & page number.
Note the use of p. before the page number and pp. if multiple page numbers.
For quotations
Include last name of author, date, and page number: (Chopin, 1894, p. 328). Put punctuation outside
parentheses.
Given that it does not produce any oil, “Morocco has had to make the most of its other advantages”
(Zwingle, 1996, p. 115).
George Zwingle (1996), an economist for Texaco, asserts, “As the only North African country
without oil, Morocco has had to make the most of its other advantages” (p. 115).
For paraphrased or summarized information
Include last name of author and date: (Mason, 2003).
Because Morocco does not have oil, unlike all other countries in northern Africa, it has to rely on its
other natural resources (Zwingle, 1996).
Texas economist George Zwingle (1996) asserts that, unlike all other countries in North Africa,
Morocco does not have oil and therefore has to rely on its other natural resources.
For in-text citation without author
Follow the same guidelines as you would for paraphrasing or quoting sources, but substitute title for author.
Put quotation marks around the capitalized titles of articles or chapters or short stories.
Titles of books and reports are italicized or underlined; titles of articles, chapters, and web pages are
indicated by quotation marks.
Only use the first three to four words of the title. For “The Beginner’s Guide to Martial Arts,” you
would use (“The Beginner’s Guide,” 2006, pp. 2-4).
For long quotation Free-Standing Block Format (40 or more words)
Indent, do not use quotation marks, and insert punctuation before parentheses. Maintain double-spacing
throughout.
It was an old spring wagon, with a round canvas top on it like the cover of a prairie schooner. It was
drawn by an old gray horse and a little gray and white burro. A big stubble bearded man sat between
the cover flaps and drove the crawling team. Words were painted on the canvas in clumsy, crooked
letters. “Pots, pans, knives, sisors, lawn mores, Fixed.” The black paint had run down beneath each
letter. (Steinbeck, 1938, p. 340)
For additional explanations and examples of in-text citations and References, see the APA Handbook online
at the NHTI library website: http://www.nhti.edu/student-resources/library.
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Where to Place Citations within a Paragraph
Citations within a Paragraph:
Do not wait until the end of a paragraph to cite information. Instead, cite source as soon as you use
information from it. For example, if you have three consecutive sentences with information you got from
one source, place the citation in parenthesis after the first sentence. Readers will assume the information that
follows came from the same source. Instead of including a paragraph that is completely paraphrased or
summarized from one source, introduce the material with topic sentence, then give information or ideas from
source, and finally interpret its significance.
The main goal for ALS research is to find the cause, understand the mechanics of the disease, and to
come up with a treatment. According to Dr. Aman Shah (1999) from WebMD medical news, "stem
cells have the potential to replace any kind of diseased cell in the body" (p. 1). The research on this is
moving at a slow pace because the big debate about stem cells is that they come from an embryo. To
the pro-life organizations this means that taking stem cells from a living embryo kills it in the
process. The pro-choice organizations feel that aborted embryos are likely to be discarded by
abortion clinics, so why not use them to save a person's life? Although research is being done, the
government imposes limits on how many embryos can be used.
Referencing the Same Source Within a Paragraph:
As mentioned above, you don’t have to repeat an author’s name or year in the second or subsequent
references to the same source, provided that no other sources are mentioned between these references.
Instead, include only the page number for direct quotations. Unless otherwise instructed, it is not
necessary to include page numbers for paraphrases and summaries.
The creation of a mall and shopping district in a vicinity is described by Munoz (1982) as “one of the
last outposts of undisturbed nature in the state” (p. 28). The aquifer area provides a “unique
environment for several endangered species of birds and plant life” (p. 31). The birds especially
require breeding areas free from the encroaching signs of development: roads, lights, and human
presence.
Note: The final sentence in the previous paragraph is a paraphrase from Munoz’ s book, and therefore
does not need a page number.
Referencing Several Sources Within a Paragraph:
You don’t have to repeat the year in second and subsequent references to the same source as long as
the information cannot be confused with information cited from other sources.
The land at the center of this debate is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, which is
pronounced An-wahr (Lee, 1998). Located in northeastern Alaska, this nineteen-million-acre
wildlife refuge is sometimes referred to as a Serengeti of the North because of its size and vast
concentrations of wildlife (Carter, 1995). According to Lee, “It ranks as one of the most significant
unspoiled Arctic ecosystems in the world” (p. 861). Unfortunately, that distinction may become a
trophy of the past; as Lee points out, this great wilderness area is “also the most important oil
prospect in North America” (p. 861).
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Integrating Quotations:
AVOID
Dropped Quotations
Avoid plunking quotations into your text without explanations. Instead, select precise signal
phrases, often including the author’s name and the author’s qualifications, to prepare your
reader for the quotation (Hacker, 1996). After quotation, explain its significance.
Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing
population is very encouraging. “The bald eagle seems to have stabilized its
population, at the very least, almost everywhere” (Sheppard, 1990, p. 96).
INCLUDE
Quotation with Signal Phrase:
Example:
Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing
population is very encouraging. According to ornithologist Jay Sheppard (1990), “The
bald eagle seems to have stabilized its population, at the very least, almost
everywhere" (p. 96).
To avoid monotony, try to vary your signal phrases:
In the words of researchers Huston and McLaughlin, “ . . .”
As editors Holland and Lindsay have noted, “ . . .”
Eaton, the author of Curse of the Pirate’s Treasure, points out that “ . . .”
“ . . .,” claims actor Jewel Davis.
English professor Paula Delbonis Platt offers an alternative solution: “ . . .”
C. Cushing, advisor to the solar car team, answers these objections with the following analysis: “. . .”
When your signal phrase includes a verb, choose one that is appropriate in the context. Is your source
arguing a point, making an observation, reporting a fact, drawing a conclusion, refuting an argument or
stating a belief? By choosing an appropriate verb, you can make your source’s stance clear (Hacker, 1995, p.
265).
VERBS USEFUL TO INTRODUCE A PARAPHRASE, SUMMARY, QUOTATION
According to
Comment Describe
Note
Respond
Acknowledge Compare
Emphasize Observe
Show
Add
Complain Explain
Offer
Speculate
Agree
Concede
Endorse
Point out Suggest
Analyze
Conclude
Find
Question Suppose
Argue
Confirm
Grant
Quote
Ask
Consider
Illustrate
Reason
Assert
Contend
Imply
Reiterate
Believe
Declare
Insist
Report
Claim
Deny
Maintain
Reveal
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APA REFERENCES FORMAT: QUICK GUIDE
(See References page samples on following two pages)
In APA style, the alphabetical list of works cited is entitled References. The general guidelines are as follows:
The References page is a separate page that follows the last page of the text of the paper.
Where include
References
page title
What to include
Center the word References at top of page. DO NOT underline it, italicize it, put it in quotation marks, in all
CAPS, or in a larger or smaller font.
List only works you have cited (quoted, summarized, paraphrased, or commented on) in the text of
your paper, not everything you have read.
Order of entries
Alphabetize entries by last name of primary author. If there is no author, alphabetize by last name of editor.
If there is no author or editor, alphabetize by first word of article or book other than a, an, or the.
If using two or more works by the same author, list work with earlier date first.
Spacing after
punctuation
Use one space after a colon, comma, semicolon, or sentence-ending punctuation. Put one space
after a period at the end of an abbreviation.
Numbering
Do NOT number entries; use alphabetical order.
Indent rules
Do not indent the first line of an entry. It should be flush with the left margin. Indent any additional lines in
entry.
Spacing
Double space all material, both within and between entries.
Author’s
name(s)
Invert all authors’ last names, and use initials instead of first names. With two or more authors,
use an ampersand (&) rather than the word “and.” Separate the names with commas. After the last name,
use a period. Include each of the authors’ names. If there are more than 7 authors, use an ellipsis between
the 6th and final authors. Do not use “et al.”
Date of
publication
Place the date of publication enclosed in parentheses immediately after the last author’s name.
After the last parenthesis, use a period. If there is no author, place date of publication in parentheses after
the title of article or book.
For journals, magazines, and newspapers do not abbreviate the names of the months.
Titles of books
Italicize titles and subtitles of books. CAPITALIZE only the first word of the title and subtitle
(as well as all proper nouns).
Place of
publication
Put period after title of book and then indicate city where source is published. After the city put a colon
and a space before publisher’s name. If city is not well known, put city and state separated by a comma.
Publisher
Titles of articles
You may shorten publisher’s name as long as it is easily identifiable.
DO NOT place titles of magazine or journal articles in quotation marks. Capitalize only the first word of the
title and subtitle (and all proper nouns).
For magazines, journals, and newspapers, italicize the name of the publication. Italicize the volume number,
the commas, and space between them. CAPITALIZE the titles of magazines, journals, and newspapers.
Put the issue number in parentheses. Do not italicize it.
Titles of
periodicals;
Volume & issue
Page numbers
or paragraph
numbers
Give inclusive numbers for articles or sections of books.
Use the abbreviation p. for one page number or pp. before multiple page numbers for newspaper articles,
works in anthologies, or encyclopedias. DO NOT use anything before page numbers of articles appearing in
magazines and journals.
List all pages with discontinuous numbers set off by commas: 32, 44-45, 47-49, 53.
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APA References SAMPLE PAGES
References
Adams, M. (2002). Traveling economically. New York, NY:
Note:
Double space within entries;
double space between entries
Book w/ 1 author
Warner Books.
Ambra, S. (2005, March 11). Lost in the stacks. The New
Article in newspaper
York Times, pp. C1, C8.
Bauerlein, M., Kennedy, X. J., & Gioia, D. (2005). Handbook of
Book w/ 2 or more authors
Book with title & subtitle
literary terms: Literature, language, theory. New York, NY:
Pearson Education.
Baldwin, J. (2009). Sonny’s blues. In B. Lawn (Ed.). 40 short stories:
Work in an anthology, edited
book or poetry collection
A portable edition (pp. 281-310), Boston, MA: Bedford/
St. Martin’s.
Becker, G. (2004, December 3). Life on the beach. Journal of
Oceanography, 6 (22), 1-7. Retrieved from
Internet site: Scholarly
article w/ volume and issue
Include date retrieved
Include Internet address
http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/life.html
Biking. (1996). In Encyclopedia of transportation (Vol. 13, p. 178).
Unsigned article in reference
work
London: Oxford University Press.
Cragin, S. (2004, February). Kayaking in Maine. Journal of
B. Leone, & A. Harnack (Eds.), Adoption: Opposing
Journal article -EBSCOhost
Italicize journal name &
volume number. Put issue
number in parenthesis after
volume number and do NOT
italicize issue number. Do
NOT put p. or pp. before the
page number(s). Include
actual database used.
viewpoints (pp. 1-4). San Diego: Greenhaven. Retrieved
Article from Galenet
Open Water, 334 (5), 11, 28. Retrieved from Academic Search
Premiere.
Clyde, M. (1995). Adoption is an act of compassion. In D. Bender,
from Galenet Database.
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Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). National agenda
for public health action: The national public health initiative
Group author: Business,
Organization, Corporation,
or Health or Government
Agency
on diabetes and women’s health. Atlanta, GA: Author.
Ealsen, E. (Writer), Lucas, K. (Director). (2010). New England
Video, DVD, or CD
vampires in the 19th century. [DVD]. Concord, NH:
New Hampshire Historical Documentaries.
Edwards, D, & Murphy, M. (2011, March). How to play golf without
blowing your cool. Golf Magazine, 24(3), 36-39.
Gurung, R., and Vespia, K. (2007). Looking good, teaching well?
Article in magazine
Spell out month for
magazine articles
Article with DOI Assigned
Linking liking, looks, and learning. Teaching of Psychology,
34, 5-10. doi: 10.1207/s15328023top3401_2
Shreeve, J. (2006, March). The greatest journey: Genetic trails left by
Article in an online magazine
our ancesters. National Geographic, 1-5. Retrieved from
www.7nationalgeographic/ngm/0603/feature2/index.html
Training for martial arts. (n.d.). Blackbelt Online, 1-7. Retrieved
Online with no author or
date
from www.blackbeltmag.com/roddies/training/
Young, B. (2005). The increase of diabetes in America. Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation International, 1-8.
Retrieved from http://www.jdrf.org/
Generic website: Give the
author; date of publication;
title of work within site (if
there is one), followed by the
title of site; page numbers;
date of retrieval; exact
electronic address (keep
capitalization and
punctuation exactly the same
as found in the address), with
no final period.
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APA REFERENCES CHECKLIST
References
Create separate page for References page
Center the title References at top
Do not underline or use quotation marks around title
Order of Entries
Alphabetize by author's last name
Alphabetize by title of article if no author
Order of Information (generic)
Include author, date, article title, major work title, publisher or
retrieval date, web address
Author
Include last name & initials of first and middle name
Date
Always place date in second place and in parentheses
If no date, use n.d.
Spacing (double space throughout)
Double space between entries
Double space within entries
Margins (two choices)
Hanging indent: 1st line flush w/ left margin
Additional lines of each entry paragraph indent
Alternate method: Paragraph indent
Indent 1st line of each entry
Additional lines of each entry flush w/margin
Capitalization
For book and article titles:
Capitalize 1st word of title
Capitalize 1st word of subtitle
Capitalize proper nouns
For magazines, journals, & newspapers
Capitalize all major words
Italicizing
Italicize book, newspaper, magazine, & journal titles
Article titles: Do not italicize or put in quotations
Punctuation
Use period and one space to separate components
Page numbers or paragraph numbers
Use p. or pp. only for newspapers
Do not use p. or pp. for books, magazines, journals
Use paragraph numbers for online sources
Volume and issue
Italicize volume number
Put issue in parentheses
Books: City: Publishing Company
Use a colon between city and publishing company
Web Sites: Retrieval information may include DOI (Direct
Object Identifier) usually available 1st page online article.
Articles on various Web sites don’t need a retrieval date.
Unstable documents need retrieval date. Electronic newspaper
articles and online dictionaries and encyclopedias do need
retrieval dates. Include web address.
Correct
Needs Work/Inaccurate